Becoming a Saint From the Iron Armor Skill

Chapter 297: Chapter 164: Cultivation Technique Fusion

Shen Zhaoyi remained silent, while a flicker of anger appeared on Shen Mingyuan’s face.

In Shen Mingyuan’s view, although Chen Cheng was lucky enough to become Zheng Hun’s Closed-door Disciple, he was, after all, from a Humble Family with no backing.

If he could marry into the Shen Family, becoming the husband of one of its peerless beauties, it would be a meteoric rise—like a commoner becoming royalty overnight.

This was an opportunity that countless talented young men in Linji City couldn’t hope for, even if they begged.

And yet, Chen Cheng merely wanted to take a daughter from the Shen Family’s main line as a concubine, and insisted it be one he was fond of. ’The sheer arrogance!’

But on second thought, he realized that with Zheng Hun’s power currently at its zenith, Chen Cheng, as his Closed-door Disciple, did indeed have the backing to be arrogant.

Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang were the great hope of the Shen Family; of course they couldn’t be married off to someone as mere concubines!

If Chen Cheng insisted on only taking a concubine, they would have to choose another daughter from the main line and offer her to him in marriage.

But if they did that, the Shen Family’s gesture of goodwill toward Zheng Hun would seem insincere. Their future relationship with him would not be as close, either.

If they wanted Zheng Hun to look out for the Shen Family, the marriage alliance with Chen Cheng ultimately had to involve either Shen Qingyao or Shen Qingshuang.

"Sigh..." After mulling it over, Shen Mingyuan let out a long sigh. ’After all, we have two peerless beauties. We’ll just have to choose one to be Chen Cheng’s concubine.’

"Father, what are your thoughts?" Shen Mingyuan decided to ask his father for his opinion first.

Shen Zhaoyi was old and shrewd; how could he fail to see what his son was thinking? He said nonchalantly:

"You’re the Patriarch of the Shen Family. It’s up to you to make decisions on these matters. This old man can’t be bothered with them!"

Shen Mingyuan knew that, in the end, he would have to shoulder the burden alone and make this potentially humiliating decision. A bitter taste filled his mouth, but there was nothing he could do.

He then turned to Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang, his expression softening as he spoke:

"Though it is a grievance to be a concubine, this Chen Cheng is truly a True Dragon among men.

Qingyao, Qingshuang, you two should spend more time with him. Get to know him and cultivate some feelings first.

No matter which of you Chen Cheng chooses in the end, I, your grandfather, promise that the Shen Family will compensate you generously."

Shen Qingyao and Shen Qingshuang glanced at each other, but neither said a word.

...

「Inner City District, Wang Family Estate.」

The Wang Family’s Ancestor, Wang Xuanjiu, the Patriarch, Wang Tingxuan, and the Clan Elders were all gathered in the main hall, discussing the new power dynamic that Linji City would soon face.

Zheng Hun’s sudden reappearance had undoubtedly sent a deep shock through the Wang Family.

However, after some discussion, the members of the Wang Family decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach before making any moves.

As for trying to get on good terms with Zheng Hun, they had never even considered it.

The Wang Family’s confidence stemmed from the fact that their Ancestor, Wang Xuanjiu, was himself a Perfect Martial Artist of the Organ Refining Realm. Furthermore, several years ago, he had also comprehended the Second Layer Realm.

If it truly came to blows, he might not even fear Zheng Hun.

In Wang Xuanjiu’s own words, while Zheng Hun’s power was formidable, he was ultimately just one man. A single person couldn’t make very big waves.

Moreover, Zheng Hun had no ambition to establish his own family’s influence. At most, he was just a "river-crossing dragon"—a powerful outsider.

Even if Zheng Hun wanted to stir up a storm in Linji City, the higher-ranked Jiang Family would be there to bear the brunt of it. All the Wang Family had to do was avoid any open conflict with him.

The Wang Family even hoped that Zheng Hun would be as aggressive as he was a decade ago and clash with the Jiang Family, leading to both sides suffering heavy losses.

That way, the Wang Family could reap the rewards of their conflict and seize the opportunity to take complete control of Linji City.

After the brief discussion, everyone else retired to rest, but Wang Xiongying, the only member of the younger generation present, was asked to stay behind by Wang Xuanjiu and Wang Tingxuan.

"Xiongying, that Chen Cheng you mentioned before... I believe he’s a disciple of the Zheng Martial Arts Hall?" Wang Tingxuan asked in a deep voice.

Wang Xiongying nodded, his expression turning serious. "Father, I was just about to report on this matter.

Chen Cheng is indeed a disciple of Zheng Hun. I received word that just this afternoon, Zheng Hun accepted him as a Closed-door Disciple, and he has moved from Lishui District to the Zheng Martial Arts Hall.

Also..."

Wang Xiongying trailed off, seemingly hesitant to continue.

Wang Tingxuan shot him a sharp look. "Just say what you need to say. If you’re always this hesitant, how do you expect to shoulder the responsibilities of the Wang Family Patriarch in the future?"

"Yes." Wang Xiongying straightened up, his expression firm. "You previously ordered me to have someone kill Chen Cheng. Since he is a Purple-clothed Guard of the Demon Suppression Department, I didn’t dare to use our family’s own men for the task.

To ensure there were no mistakes, I posted a Hidden Flower bounty for Chen Cheng’s head at the Wind and Rain Tower in the Black Market.

The Wind and Rain Tower’s rules are simple: they only care about money, not who’s paying. Once they accept a Hidden Flower bounty, they dispatch their agents, and the contract cannot be canceled. Chen Cheng’s death is a certainty.

I never expected Zheng Hun to rise to prominence so suddenly. Once Chen Cheng is killed, I fear it will infuriate Zheng Hun. He might unleash a tidal wave of chaos upon Linji City.

It’s no secret that in Linji City, the vast majority of Jianghu influences are under our family’s control. I’m afraid that Zheng Hun will eventually trace this back to the Wang Family."

"Hmph. And I thought it was something serious!"

Wang Tingxuan snorted, his expression grim. "Zheng Hun stormed the City Lord’s Mansion with such aggression for one reason and one reason only: to send a message to the Four Great Clans of the Inner City. He’s telling us not to provoke anyone from the Zheng Martial Arts Hall.

Since you didn’t use our own men and chose to issue a Hidden Flower bounty through the Wind and Rain Tower, no one will know it was our doing. Even if Chen Cheng is killed, what can Zheng Hun possibly do?

On the contrary, once the Wind and Rain Tower kills Chen Cheng, the first people Zheng Hun will blame are the Jiang Family of the City Lord’s Mansion.

When that happens, we might even get to sit back and watch a good show!

By the way, what was the mission level for the Hidden Flower bounty you posted at the Wind and Rain Tower?"